The North Otago primary school is advertising for a new principal after Julie French, who is on sick leave at present, tendered her resignation.
The announcement of Ms French’s resignation comes two months after the Ministry of Education appointed Dunedin independent adviser and former lawyer Ms Hesson as limited statutory manager (LSM), following a request from the board of trustees for support with employment, policy and communications.
Ms French had been at Ardgowan School for 16 years — 13 of which were spent as principal — and Ms Hesson thanked her for her long service and contribution to the school.
"She’s always been a really warm and welcoming person," she said.
"She has a particular love of the school and the community."
Ardgowan is a full primary school, with a roll of about 130 pupils. Applications for the principal’s role close on November 30, and Ms Hesson said she hoped a new principal could start at the beginning of term 1 next year. An alternative start date could be arranged for the right candidate.
Ms Hesson said she would work with the board, staff and community to appoint the new principal — and the new principal would collaborate with her, the board, staff and community on what the school’s new vision would look like.
"You’re always conscious as an LSM that you’re only involved for a certain amount of time — and the aim of my position is to empower the school and the people involved in the school to be able to move forward."
Deputy principal Dana Goodall has been appointed as acting principal, and is in charge of the day-to-day management of the school in the interim.
"She’s been really well supported by the whole staff and the board, and we’re really pleased with the job she’s doing," Ms Hesson said.
